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Educators can integrate the curriculum using many different approaches. The following diagram illustrates one scope of curriculum integration.

Curriculum Integration Continuum by Alberta Education (2007).

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The interdisciplinary approach to integrated studies refers to the way knowledge and skills are connected within one subject. Meaning, educators will connect a topic, skill or concept learned in one class or in one unit with another learned earlier in the same subject (Fogarty, 1991, p. 63).

Many people believe the Australian curriculum is overcrowded and a lot for educators to teach with not a lot of time to teach it (Gordon, 2014, p.321). Integrated studies allows educators to organise units, topics or skills from more than one subject area, so that like or related material can be taught within one lesson or unit. This form of integration is referred to as multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary (Gordon, 2014, p. 330).

A transdisciplinary approach begins with an issue, problem or concern rather than curriculum documents. This form of integration is student centered, as the issue being explored has generally been negotiated with or initiated by the students (Gordon, 2014, p. 331). Allowing students to be involved in their learning and focusing on real life issues promotes participation and motivation to learn.

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Integrated studies uses a holistic approach to teaching, allowing educators to focus more on their student's physical, emotional and psychological well-being (Raise Learning, 2012). A major benefit of this approach is that educators will use their student's interest as a focal point when planning their lessons. An example of this is shown in the image below, where a class from Kelsey Primary (n.d.) are participating in a lesson that is providing them with a hands-on experience that incorporates their interest in baking. This lesson also integrates subjects such as math and health and physical education. Students use direct and indirect comparisons to choose which measuring tool holds more and explain reasoning in everyday language (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA], 2017, ACMMG006). Washing their hands before handling food and using baking equipment and tools correctly will also assist the students in identifying activities that promote health, safety and wellbeing (ACARA, 2017, ACPPS006). These lessons are enjoyable for students, allows them to feel included and producing something that they can show others encourages them to take what they have learned and share it with their family or participate in similar experiences at home. Parents can support this approach by providing similar activities in the home.

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The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) supports the use of integrated studies by providing helpful resources with multiple routes to search, access and organise content that supports the progression of learning in relation to a conceptual theme from foundation to year 10 (ACARA, 2017).

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To ensure the integrity of the content being integrated is maintained, it is vital that educators have a good understanding of the various curricula and how to intentionally link curriculum outcomes using a central concept, such as a topic, theme, issue, project or problem (Alberta Education, 2007, p. 3). When planning their lessons, educators must use their professional knowledge and skills to best meet the needs of their students. Integration should also be used as a pedagogical tool with educators using their professional judgement to determine when it is best to integrate the curriculum (Alberta Education, 2007, p.5).

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(Weber State University n.d.)